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If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Media Sales & Licensing Team.

Content description

REEL 1 Recollections of background in Sumatra, Indonesia and GB, 1929-1948: childhood on rubber estate in Sumatra; education in Scotland; decision to join army, 1948. Aspects of period as officer with 1st Bn King's Own Scottish Borderers in Hong Kong, 6/1950-4/1951: joining unit, 6/1950; attempts to stop illegal border crossings; character of defensive positions; preparations for move to Korea, 4/1951. Recollections of operations as officer with 12 Platoon, D Coy, 1st Bn King's Own Scottish Borderers, 28th Commonwealth Bde, 1st Commonwealth Div in Korea, 1951: move from Inchon to River Imjin, 23/4/1951; hand over from 1st Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders c25/4/1951; action at Hill 355 during Operation Commando, 10/1951.
REEL 2 Continues: role of platoon commander during assault; acquisition of US carbines; question of effectiveness of bombardment against well dug in positions; move onto The Knoll, 10/1951; fortifying The Knoll; effect of Chinese propaganda; start of Chinese offensive, 5/11/1951; lack of success of Chinese attacks against The Knoll, 5/11/1951-6/11/1951; wounding during action; role of William Purves in extricating platoons from hill; medical treatment for wounds; conduct of action on The Knoll, 5/11/1951-6/11/1951; opinion of Chinese troops; attitude towards political aspect of Korean War. Attitude to having served in Korea. Aspects of period as officer with 1st Bn King's Own Scottish Borderers in Malaya, 1955-1957: role of unit.
REEL 3 Continues: role as regimental signals officer; signals problems encountered. Recollections of operations commanding A Coy, 1st Bn King's Own Scottish Borderers in Sarawak, Borneo, 1965-1966: disposition of units in Sarawak; role as company commander; opinion of Indonesian troops; living arrangements of Iban families; memories of John Wilson.